Upcoming Events at Natural Bridge

Some content on this website is saved in an alternative format. To view these files, download the following free software or you can skip to the main content if you already have the appropriate readers.

153rd ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF NATURAL BRIDGE - 41st ANNUAL REENACTMENT OF THE SECOND LARGEST CIVIL WAR BATTLE IN FLORIDA

Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park, in partnership with the Natural Bridge Historical Society, Inc. (CSO) invites you to the 41st annual reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge. The event commemorates the 153rd Anniversary of the Civil War battle which took place 12 miles south of Tallahassee. Early on the morning of March 6, 1865, shots rang out in southern Leon County where the St. Marks River temporarily flows underground then reemerges, thus forming a natural bridge; these shots marked the opening skirmish of the Battle of Natural Bridge. Over the course of the day, Union troops, including the 2nd and 99th United States Colored Troops (USCT), attempted to charge over the Natural Bridge. Each charge was repulsed by artillery and small arms fire by the Confederate defenders. By days end, Union forces retreated to the protection of the Federal fleet at St. Marks. Tallahassee became the only Southern Capital east of the Mississippi River not to succumb to military capture by Union Troops during the Civil War.

Saturday, March 3rd, you are invited to mingle with civil war reenactors and observe a Confederate-Union skirmish, cavalry demonstrations, artillery shows and medical treatment examples. Sunday, March 4th will be official Opening Ceremonies and Dedication, followed by a full-scale reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge at 2:30 p.m. Refreshments, including hamburgers, hotdogs, snacks and soft drinks will be available for purchase both days beginning at 12:00 p.m. Parking is available

Mailing Address

Phone Number

Manager's Message

A NOTE FROM THE MANAGER

Rob Lacy, Manager

Hello and welcome to Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park. Now is a great time to visit and reflect on these hallowed grounds Southeast of Tallahassee. The park protects the battlefield of a skirmish that prevented Tallahassee from falling into Union hands in the final days of the Civil War. Walk the grounds and visit the...